CVE-2016-4622 in tvOS
Summary
by MITRE
WebKit in Apple iOS before 9.3.3, Safari before 9.1.2, and tvOS before 9.2.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (memory corruption) via a crafted web site, a different vulnerability than CVE-2016-4589, CVE-2016-4623, and CVE-2016-4624.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2022
This vulnerability resides within the WebKit rendering engine component that powers Apple's Safari browser and iOS web applications. The flaw represents a memory corruption issue that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems or cause denial of service conditions. The vulnerability affects multiple Apple platforms including iOS versions prior to 9.3.3, Safari versions before 9.1.2, and tvOS versions before 9.2.2, demonstrating the widespread impact across Apple's ecosystem. This memory corruption vulnerability specifically manifests when processing maliciously crafted web content, allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to complete system compromise.
The technical nature of this vulnerability falls under memory corruption patterns that are commonly classified as CWE-122, which represents "Heap-based Buffer Overflow" or similar heap manipulation flaws. The vulnerability operates by exploiting how WebKit handles certain web page elements, particularly through improper memory management during rendering processes. Attackers can craft malicious websites that, when loaded in Safari or iOS web views, trigger memory corruption that can be leveraged for code execution. This type of vulnerability typically involves manipulation of heap memory structures, potentially through buffer overflows or use-after-free conditions that allow attackers to overwrite critical memory locations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks as it enables remote code execution without requiring user interaction beyond visiting a malicious website. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the web browser as an attack surface, which users frequently interact with daily. The memory corruption can result in arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the browser process, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain full system control. This vulnerability also represents a persistent threat as it affects multiple versions across different Apple platforms, requiring comprehensive patch management across all affected systems. The fact that it is separate from other related vulnerabilities like CVE-2016-4589, CVE-2016-4623, and CVE-2016-4624 indicates it operates through distinct exploitation mechanisms, making it more challenging to defend against.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability primarily involves applying the official security patches released by Apple as part of their regular security updates. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected iOS devices, Safari installations, and tvOS systems to the patched versions. System administrators should also implement network-based protections such as web filtering solutions and browser security extensions that can help detect and block malicious content. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.003 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Windows Command Shell" and T1203 for "Exploitation for Client Execution" when considering the broader attack patterns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify malicious domains associated with exploitation of this vulnerability.